World needs people who are more than 'fans'

Especially during football season, we know pretty easily who cheers on Georgia, or Florida, or the Ramblin’ Wreck or another other college team which can claim you as a fan. The loyalties for high school squads, in whatever sport, are even more evident. If not by the bumper stickers and yard flags, then certainly by the actions of traveling to each game, match or meet.

Separate from the book title, that phrase “not a fan” pops up in conversations, in-person and online. It almost sounds counter-intuitive. If someone says, “I’m not a fan,” that makes it sound like you are opposed to the team, cause, concept or candidate. Wouldn’t you want to have fans? Author Kyle Idleman turns the phrase on its ear. Idleman contends that Jesus Christ doesn’t really need any more fans.

What?! The teaching pastor at the huge Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Ky., wants you to be opposed to liking Jesus?!

Relax, and follow the deeper truth.

Actually, the Lord of the universe really doesn’t need fans. A fan club can sit in the stands, or the sports bar, or in front of the big screen, and be amazed as someone makes the game happen. Rather, those whose first-person stories are told in this book are not opposed to Jesus. They go beyond simply cheering and watching and bragging that “our team is better than your team.” The people whom the Lord needs are those who get out of the spectator zone and move onto the field of play themselves. Jesus needs followers, not mere fans.

The concept isn’t new. Even during Jesus’ ministry in Bible times, he noted the distinction between those who were amazed at the miracles and those who “left everything and followed.” Those who clapped and cheered at the healings and teachings were fans. Those who sacrificed and joined Jesus on the way — his way — were followers.

I believe and preach about the centrality of amazing grace. It’s a core doctrine that our abilities alone cannot accomplish salvation. However, those who sit on the sidelines and admire Jesus from afar are missing out. Missing out on the privilege of serving as Jesus’ ambassadors to a world that aches for grace and hope and peace and a future.

Moving beyond contentious national and regional elections, the questions of ultimate matters arise. No matter who is in the White House, or atop the NFL standings, or any other human issue, Jesus offers the most fulfilling life that any of us could ever have.

This book and its related website and online communities can help you consider your connection with Jesus.

Please don’t watch him from the cheap seats. He’s more than a character on the religious TV shows. Jesus is the one who can guide you toward a life that is truly worth living. To live that life, you and I need to pray like Jesus did, love like Jesus did, worship like Jesus did — and care for the crowds, just like Jesus still does.